Bhubaneswar, 24 March (H.S.): Proceedings in the Odisha Legislative Assembly were disrupted on Tuesday following protests by opposition members over the recent fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital that claimed 12 lives.

As soon as the House reconvened, MLAs from the BJD and Congress staged a protest, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling. The legislators entered the Well of the House, raising slogans and displaying placards, despite repeated appeals from Speaker Surama Padhy to maintain order.

The protesting members held banners with slogans questioning the government’s “ethics and morality” and insisted on immediate accountability for the incident. The continued disruption forced the Speaker to adjourn the House proceedings till 11:30 a.m.

The adjournment came after repeated warnings from the Chair failed to bring the situation under control, as opposition members refused to return to their seats.

The tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital has sparked widespread outrage across the state, intensifying political tensions. Opposition parties have been demanding accountability and corrective measures, while the incident has become a major flashpoint in the ongoing Assembly session.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda